As many of you read in my last post, I had an appointment with a GI specialist this past week. The appointment went well, but I have some bad news (from a food blogging perspective). No more raw vegetables, no cruciferous vegetables (raw or cooked), no beans (likewise), no corn. WHAT?! There goes my recipe to-do list. This diet isn’t permanent (I hope) but I’ll be on it for the next six weeks, to see how my stomach reacts. I’m really going to be struggling as to what I should eat, because beans + raw veg compose 99% of my diet. But I think I’m going to go the Japanese route – lots of rice, miso, noodles, steamed (non-cruciferous) vegetables, etc. I’ll also be making lots of blended soups and smoothies, because those are allowed. But gosh, no raw vegetables at all?? This is certainly going to be a challenge, especially as a food blogger who eats a high-raw diet. But I hope you all will stick around while I navigate this new, no-raw-vegetable world of mine!!
So here’s what caught my eye on the webs this week:
1 // If you ever feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety (as I often do), I would highly recommend watching this video. It presents an amazing metaphor about holding on to stress and negative thoughts, and how that affects our lives. (Disclaimer: I’m usually really skeptical of these sorts of videos, but I found this one to really resonate with me).
2 // Vidya Living is one of my favorite blogs – it combines Ayurvedic wisdom, self-care advice, and gorgeous recipes, all with yogic vibes and philosophy. Right now I’m digging these spring greens + mung bean tacos.
3 // I was so excited to be able to work with Vilks Ceramics for this post. It may just be a food blogger thing, but I have such a soft spot for beautifully crafted pottery and stoneware.
4 // My instagram crush of the week – So Beautifully Raw. This girl has the most stunning vegan creations!
5 // If I could have this kitchen, I would be really happy !!
6 // These mean green vegan nachos from Hot for Food are calling my name!
7 // I love this campaign by Athleta – The Power of She. It’s all about women standing together, supporting each other, lifting each other up, and realizing their potential together. Such a great message, and one that I really stand behind.
8 // I’m part Italian, so anything with pasta is my jam. This caramelized onion and olive pasta looks like something I could eat in all of about 3 seconds ;)
For more inspiration during the week, be sure to follow along on Pinterest and Instagram!
Hope you all have a lovely weekend! :)

Raspberry Creamsicle Probiotic Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Vanilla Coconut Yogurt
- 2 Cups Fresh Pineapple
- 1 Cup Frozen Raspberries
- 1 Cup Plant Milk I used almond
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve and enjoy!
22 Comments
Bianca - Elephantastic Vegan
May 14, 2016 at 9:17 amOh yeah new post! Hehehe. Changes in diets can be hard, but I’m sure you’ll create yummy tummy-approved meals. <3 Frozen raspberries is (next to frozen blueberries) one of the favorite fruits I put into smoothies because of the gorgeous color!
As a person who is stressed by the smallest things, thank you for sharing the video! Good point! It's good to let go of stressful things before they build up to something larger.
Sarah
May 14, 2016 at 11:28 amI’m so glad you liked the video, Bianca! It’s such a great reminder to let go of the heavy things we’re holding onto, mentally. :)
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
May 14, 2016 at 12:30 pmThis smoothie is beautiful as usual! Raspberry + pineapple, I don’t think I’ve ever tried that delicious sounding combo. Wow no raw veg, that will be tough to get used to. At least you can still do fruit though! And I have a feeling after a month or so it will be your norm and no big deal. Good luck Sarah!
Sarah
May 15, 2016 at 8:04 amI certainly hope so!! Thanks Natalie <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
May 14, 2016 at 3:04 pmWishing you well on diet “testing” :/ I wish we could just have answers and not all this trial and error :(
Fantastic links too! I just opened 5 ;)
And sweet pink smoothie goodness! Lovely!
Sarah
May 15, 2016 at 8:05 amI know! It’s just a bunch of trial and error, which is frustrating. But I hope I’ll figure it out soon! Thanks girl <3
janet @ the taste space
May 14, 2016 at 9:56 pmOh wow, that sounds like a tough transition for your new diet. I like how you have already find a system that could work – almost a bit like macrobiotic? I wonder if the recommendations are based on the low FODMAP diet? Good luck and I look forward to seeing your creativity flourish.
Sarah
May 15, 2016 at 8:09 amThe doctor said the diet recommendations were based around low-FODMAP but not as extreme. But I think I’m going to try a semi-macrobiotic diet just for the sake of it being what I’m allowed to eat! :) Thanks for your kind words, Janet <3
Julia
May 16, 2016 at 10:20 amOh girl, I’m so sorry to hear about the results of your appointment – It definitely is a struggle to get stomach issues in check, and I hope this is finally the solution to your digestive woes. Good luck, m’dear!
I’m loving this creamsicle smoothie! It looks like it has so much flavor and I’m digging the fact that there’s only a few ingredients. Sign me up!
Sarah
May 16, 2016 at 5:41 pmThank you so much for your kind words, Julia!! <3
Lane | Green Spirit Adventures
May 16, 2016 at 11:14 amI’m sending lots of love and healing vibes your way! I hope you start feeling better soon! I can really relate to the digestive problems you’ve been talking about in the last few posts. I’ve had issues for years and nearly no luck getting to the bottom of any of it–so I understand the frustration! I think it’s beautiful that everyone’s body is so unique… but it does sometimes make things difficult when it comes to figuring out what to eat or not eat. I’ve found that I have a hard time with sugar, so lots of fruit doesn’t work for me… but other than that I’m still searching. Hopefully you’ll figure out what makes your body happy soon! <3
Sarah
May 16, 2016 at 5:41 pmThank you Lane! I hope you find resolutions to your issues soon too, girl <3
Evi @ greenevi
May 16, 2016 at 12:31 pmI am so sorry to hear about the changes in your diet! It also seems like super big challenge for me, but I’m sure you will make amazing recipes without raw veggies and beans too :)
But it’s cool that you can have fruits still! And make beautiful smoothies like this one. What a lovely combo again!
Sarah
May 16, 2016 at 5:46 pmIt is going to be a bit of a challenge to create recipes without raw veg and beans (such staples in my diet!) but I’m feeling up to it ;) Thanks Evi!!
Aimee / Wallflower Kitchen
May 16, 2016 at 4:52 pmAw no! I can’t handle raw food either :-( I remember buying a dehydrator, all set to get my raw food on and then I got ill and couldn’t have any raw food due to low white blood cells. When I recovered, I tried reintroducing raw food back into my diet and it didn’t not suit me at all and it never has since. Such a shame but like you say, there are other wholesome ways to eat – The Japanese food route seems like the healthiest option. Plus, it’s so delicious! And at least you still get to have beautiful smoothies like this :-)
Sarah
May 16, 2016 at 5:47 pmOh no! Well honestly it does make me feel a little better knowing there’s another blogger out there with a similar problem!! It makes me feel less lonely, you know? :) And you have such stunning recipes, too. Maybe there’s hope for me yet! ;)
Amy | The Whole Food Rainbow
May 16, 2016 at 5:18 pmHey Sarah! I LOVE that pinkso much, beautiful smoothie. My advice for what it’s worth is to just go for it, and have foods prepared you know you really like that you can turn to as you’re adjusting. Hang on in there and you’ll be fine, and hopefully more than fine!! Many people find raw foods harder to digest, and definitely beans, so just giving yourself really gentle nurturing foods will do you the world of good. And your blog will be full of your beautiful creations too – starts out daunting, turns into an adventure! xx
Sarah
May 16, 2016 at 5:48 pmAww thanks for your words of encouragement Amy <3
Rachel @ Baking Up Bliss
May 17, 2016 at 8:08 pmThis is so pretty! I just love the colors of raspberries. I’m so sorry to hear about your diet changes, my mom recently had to adjust her diet (no more sweet potatoes!) But we’re pushing through, and she should be able to eat a bit more normally within the next few months…there is hope, I know you can do it :)
Sarah
May 17, 2016 at 8:35 pmAww I hope your mom does okay on her new diet! And thank you for your nice sentiments, I hope I can eat normally soon too!! :)
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
May 19, 2016 at 12:30 amIsh… how are you doing, Sarah!? Hard, yes! I’d be turning inside out! BUT, you are on track to getting to the bottom of this. Hang in there… sending you my best for strength and courage xo
Sarah
May 19, 2016 at 10:23 amAww thank you Traci <3 <3 Sending hugs your way!